Tickets still available for Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Get your Irish on early!

The third annual Shamrocks & Shenanigans returns to Ephrata March 4, 7-11 p.m., at American Legion Post 429.

The popular party benefits the Ephrata Public Library and Winters Leadership Memorial.

The Kilmaine Saints will be there to perform their hard-driving, angry Irish songs with their mates, the more traditional Down By The Glenside opening. Members of the Ceòl Nèamh Pipe Band kick off the night with a rousing drum and bagpipe processional.

The always-entertaining men in kilts and jig contests are on the agenda as well. For those who have never experienced these contests, there is nothing like it in the area. Fans come back year after year donning their kilts, holding their Guinness and dancing their hardest to win the honored titles.

George DiIlio, Ephrata Public Library’s board of directors president,is ready to party!

Black Forest Brewery has generously crafted and donated a specialty Irish Red called Shamrocks & Shenanigans for this event. All proceeds from the sale of this special event brew will support the fundraiser.

A huge basket stuffed with all things Irish valued at over $500 will be raffled toward the end of the night. A 50/50 raffle will also be held, so guests should come prepared to win big cash and help a cause.

Drink tickets for beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the night, with a fully stocked cash bar available in the restaurant portion of the Legion.

All proceeds support the Ephrata Public Library and the Winters Leadership Memorial.

Fred Whitley, former winner of the Men in Kilts contest

The Winters Leadership Memorial is a project through Downtown Ephrata, Inc. (DEI), dedicated to honoring our veterans through the example of WW II hero, Major Richard D Winters. The Ephrata Public Library is a community center that provides free resources and opportunities for everyone to educate, enhance and enjoy their lives. These two organizations have partnered to present the popular Veterans Lecture series held at the Library the last Tuesday of every month.

“I can’t think of a more enjoyable, funny, crazy event then Shamrocks & Shenanigans,” said Joy Ashley, director of development at the Ephrata Public Library. “Of course, people want to be generous because this is a benefit event, but they want to also break out of the winter blues and let loose.”

Last year’s Shamrocks & Shenanigans raised $11,000. A portion of this year’s proceeds will support an impacting traveling exhibition coming in September to the library called “Forbidden Art.” “Forbidden Art” features artwork created by those interned at Auschwitz-Berkenau concentration camps.